Looking Backward, Looking Forward: Where is Pension Policy Headed?

James A. KleinWP2004-09

Abstract — Since the passage of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, public policy has continuously shaped the trajectory of the US retirement system. It is clear that the policy process will continue to be key in the future reinvention of the retirement paradigm. Our study sets forth four perspectives on strengths and weaknesses of the current retirement system, with the goal of helping shape an environment more conducive to a vibrant, effective, and easily administered retirement system.